Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 over-the-air updates kick in

Volkswagen has confirmed it is rolling out its first over-the-air software updates for the pure-electric Volkswagen ID.3 hatch and ID.4 SUV.

The free upload will be offered initially to owners of an early batch of the Volkswagen ID.3 electric car that were sold without all the original intended functions pre-installed.

Volkswagen was hit with issues to the early versions of its software. Once the first update is complete, VW will begin offering updates to other ID.3 EVs and for the larger Volkswagen ID.4, both of which are on the agenda for sale in Australia in 2022, supply permitting.

Regular updates are also now expected, with uploads slated for each quarter.

All will be upgraded to Volkswagen's latest ID.Software 2.3 that will unlock new functions including a free automatic main headlight beam assist, plus a new efficient driver coach and updates to the infotainment screen interface.

As part of the over-the-air offer, owners have the choice when to install the upgrade, but once started they will not be able to drive their vehicle until the update is complete.

Volkswagen also stresses that owners must have a registered account with the car-maker to receive the update.

In the future, engineers say they will be able to update all 35 control units on an ID model that could see extra driving range offered and lower charging times, custom screens and a new light signature.

New paid-for options and services are also on the way as Volkswagen, like other car-makers, looks to exploit new revenue streams.

While rivals drop new updates sporadically, Volkswagen says its software upgrades will be introduced on more of a planned schedule while downloads will always be of a manageable size, so not to strand its customers while they wait for the update to complete.

According to Silke Bagschik, Volkswagen’s e-mobility sales boss, the car-maker already has an extensive list of software upgrades planned for its ID models.

"We have a long wish list of ideas based on listening to feedback on what customers want, and we have some cool ideas coming from within the company," she said.

"In the future, there will be some functions that we say, ‘This will be worth some money’ and people will be happy to spend some money.

"This is a valuable part of our business money, but right now we don’t have a firm date for the first functions that people will pay for."

Volkswagen has not indicated how much it thinks its customers will be prepared to pay to unlock new functions.